PhlL-Unicef agreement to benefits 4 municipailities

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Thursday 2nd of August 2012

DIPOLOG CITY, Aug 2 (PIA) -- Four municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte are set to benefit from a United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) project in the Philippines.

This was contained in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the joint program of cooperation on Investment Convergence for Equity for Children, signed by the Philippines and the UNICEF.

Signatories for the Philippines were the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, concerned Local government units (LGUs) while UNICEF was led by its Representative to the Philippines Tomoo Hozumi.

Under the MOU, UNICEF and the national government will provide technical assistance to the 36 LGUs to help them achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in strengthening policies and implementing social services for children.

The four municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte are Leon Postigo, Tampilisan, Siayan and Sindangan.

Aside from Zamboanga del Norte, the other municipalities are in the provinces of Camarines Norte (Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, and Vinzons); Masbate (Milagros, Cawayan, Monreal, and Aroroy); Northern Samar (Mapanas and Bobon); North Cotabato (Midsayap, President Roxas, Aleosan and Arakan); Saranggani (Malungon); Sultan Kudarat (Kalamansig and Lebak); Maguindanao (Parang, Upi, South Upi and Mamasapano); Sulu (Parang and Siasi); and Tawi-Tawi (Languyan).

Meanwhile, the six cities are Puerto Princesa City, Zamboanga City, Davao City, Cotabato City, Pasay City and Quezon City.

The 36 LGUs are part of the 609 priority LGUs that already submitted local poverty reduction plans to national government agencies for possible funding.

Socio Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said 30 municipalities and six cities would comprise the first batch of local government units that would be part of the joint program of cooperation for 2012 to 2016.

Balisacan said the partnership exemplified the high level of enthusiasm and initiative of municipal and city governments in pursuing projects that focus on the rights of children.

One of the LGUs’ commitments was to formulate a technical assistance plan to accelerate the attainment of MDGs for 2012 to 2013 within the framework of their comprehensive development and land use plans, including local poverty reduction plans.

The 36 LGUs are part of the 609 priority LGUs that already submitted local poverty reduction plans to national government agencies for possible funding.

”Through this joint programe, we can provide the enabling environment for LGUs to be aware of, committed to, and capacitated in addressing the most urgent concerns for children in their respective localities,” Balisacan said.

The LGUs will be assisted by national government agencies, UNICEF and other civil society organizations, with their respective Regional Project Monitoring Committees chaired by the NEDA regional directors as responsible units for monitoring and evaluating the joint program. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)